Are you considering a move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area? Whether you're relocating for work, lifestyle, or family, DFW is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse regions in the country. But before you pack the moving truck, there are a few smart questions to ask that can help you make a confident, informed decision. Let’s walk through the 10 most important things to consider before calling North Texas home.
10 Smart Questions to Ask Before Moving to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
1. What part of DFW fits my lifestyle best?
DFW is made up of over 200 cities and neighborhoods—each with its own vibe. From upscale suburbs like Southlake to family-friendly communities like Flower Mound, the right fit depends on your priorities.
Key Areas to Consider:
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Flower Mound: Top schools, parks, family vibe
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Southlake: Luxury living, shopping, strong schools
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Frisco/McKinney: Master-planned communities, newer builds
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Fort Worth: Historic charm, artsy downtown
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Dallas Proper: Urban lifestyle, walkable districts
Takeaway:
Your ideal location in DFW should reflect your daily life, commute, and long-term goals.
2. How does the cost of living compare to where I live now?
The DFW area offers a relatively affordable cost of living, but it varies widely by city and neighborhood.
Cost Considerations:
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Property taxes in Texas are higher than the national average.
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No state income tax = potential savings.
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Housing prices vary:
City Median Home Price (2025) Flower Mound $675,000 Southlake $1.25M+ Frisco $600,000 Fort Worth $350,000
Takeaway:
Be sure to balance home price, taxes, and overall affordability when choosing your new DFW home.
3. What’s the commute like from different suburbs?
Commute times can range from 20 minutes to over an hour, depending on your suburb and work location.
Average Commute Times to Downtown Dallas:
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Southlake: ~35–45 mins
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Flower Mound: ~35 mins
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Frisco: ~40–50 mins
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Fort Worth to Dallas: ~50–60 mins
Tip: Consider reverse commute areas or hybrid work setups.
Takeaway:
Plan for traffic and distance—DFW is spread out, so commute planning is key.
4. How are the schools in the area I’m considering?
DFW is home to some of the top-rated public school districts in Texas, especially in the northern suburbs.
Top School Districts:
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Carroll ISD (Southlake)
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Lewisville ISD (Flower Mound)
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Frisco ISD
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Highland Park ISD
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Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
Takeaway:
If schools matter to you, research district boundaries carefully—they can significantly impact home values and resale potential.
5. What’s the housing market like right now?
DFW’s market is competitive but stabilizing, with steady demand and limited inventory in top suburbs.
2025 Snapshot:
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Median Days on Market: ~21 days
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Popular Home Styles: Brick traditional, new construction, custom luxury
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Market Trend: Slight year-over-year appreciation in high-demand areas
Takeaway:
Work with a local expert to navigate pricing, timing, and bidding strategy—especially in sought-after areas like Southlake and Flower Mound.
6. What’s the weather really like in North Texas?
North Texas has hot summers, mild winters, and occasional severe storms.
Climate Overview:
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Summer highs: 95–105°F
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Winter lows: 30–40°F
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Tornado season: March–June
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Occasional hail and icy days
Takeaway:
Be ready for heat and storm season—but enjoy mild winters and lots of sunshine.
7. Is the area safe, and what’s the community vibe like?
Most DFW suburbs rank high for safety, community involvement, and quality of life.
What to Look For:
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Local police department ratings
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HOA rules + neighborhood culture
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Community events (farmers markets, holiday parades)
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Faith-based + volunteer opportunities
Takeaway:
Visit neighborhoods in person and talk to locals—you’ll quickly get a feel for the community atmosphere.
8. What amenities and attractions are nearby?
DFW offers everything from pro sports to peaceful parks. Amenities vary by suburb.
Suburb Highlights:
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Southlake Town Square: Upscale shopping, dining, events
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Grapevine Lake: Boating, trails, family fun
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DFW Airport: Major hub just 15–25 minutes away from most suburbs
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Cultural attractions: Dallas Museum of Art, Fort Worth Stockyards, live music
Takeaway:
Whether you want quiet weekends or entertainment galore—DFW has it all within reach.
9. How competitive is the job market in DFW?
DFW is a top U.S. job market, especially for tech, healthcare, finance, and education sectors.
Top Employers:
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American Airlines
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Texas Health Resources
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Toyota North America (Plano)
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Lockheed Martin
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Fidelity Investments
Takeaway:
Career growth is strong across industries—making DFW a smart long-term move.
10. Should I rent first or buy right away?
Buying is often smarter in DFW due to appreciation, but renting can offer flexibility while you explore.
Pros of Buying:
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Build equity quickly
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Lock in current prices
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Take advantage of appreciation
Pros of Renting:
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Time to explore neighborhoods
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Short-term commitment
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Less upfront cost
Takeaway:
Your decision depends on timeline, budget, and goals. A buyer consultation can clarify your best next step.
Feeling overwhelmed by the move? You don’t have to do this alone.
Let’s walk through your questions together, with clarity, confidence, and a relationship-first approach.
Schedule a call today — and let’s build your future together.
FAQs
Q: Is Dallas-Fort Worth a good place to move in 2025?
Yes, DFW remains one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., offering strong job growth, great schools, and family-friendly suburbs.
Q: What’s the best suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth for families?
Flower Mound, Southlake, and Frisco consistently rank high for families thanks to top-rated schools and community amenities.
Q: How expensive is it to live in DFW?
DFW offers a wide range of home prices. While some suburbs are pricey, overall affordability is better than coastal cities—and there’s no state income tax.
Q: Should I buy or rent when moving to DFW?
Buying often makes sense due to appreciation and tax advantages, but renting can be a good short-term option while exploring.
